19/09/2025
Israel has developed and is on the verge of deploying a high-power laser weapon system known as Iron Beam (also called Or Eitan, "Steady Light"). Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in partnership with the Ministry of Defense and Elbit Systems, it is designed to be a game-changer in air defense.
Here are the key details about the Iron Beam system:
* Target Threats: The system is capable of neutralizing a variety of aerial threats, including:
* Rockets
* Mortar shells
* Drones (UAVs)
* Aircraft
* Operational Range and Power:
* The system has a range of up to 10 kilometers.
* It is a 100kW-class laser system.
* How it Works: The laser beam heats a target's shell, engine, or warhead until it collapses or detonates, effectively neutralizing the threat. The engagement
* Weather Dependency: The primary drawback of laser weapons is their performance in adverse weather conditions. Heavy cloud cover, fog, or other atmospheric conditions can disperse the laser's energy and reduce its effectiveness.
